Tennis Gifts for Dad: 21 Picks for Players and Fans

The polyester string that took over the pro tour, known for adding spin and control on full swings. It's best for a dad who hits hard with a modern topspin game; check that he already plays poly or a hybrid before buying, since it's stiffer than the nylon many club players use.

Thirty-six of the most common hard-court balls in American clubs, which means they'll feel exactly like the balls his league uses. A regular player opens a new can every week or two, so a full case is a gift that keeps showing up in his bag through the whole season.

A thinner version of Wilson's classic Pro Overgrip, so he keeps more feel through the handle. Thirty grips covers about a year of rewrapping for someone who plays twice a week, and he'll stop putting off the change when the old one turns slick.

These little rubber pieces fall out mid-match and go missing in the bag constantly. A fresh pair costs less than a can of balls, quiets that string ping, and takes a tiny bit of sting out of off-center hits.

Pump an opened can of balls back under pressure and they stay lively for weeks. It's ideal for the frugal dad who refuses to toss balls after one session, and it pairs naturally with the case of Penns above.

The pale blue overgrip players have trusted for decades, and the only one that gets grippier as his hands sweat. If he plays through humid summer afternoons and constantly wipes his palm on his shorts, this is the fix.

Ninety balls in a basket he picks up by pressing it onto the court, so he never bends over between serving buckets. The handles fold down into legs, turning it into a stand for feeding balls to a grandkid or practice partner.

A straightforward three-racquet bag with a deep front pocket for keys, phone and a spare overgrip. A good replacement if he's still carrying his racquet in its original thin cover or a battered gym bag.

Fill the base with water or sand and the ball on its elastic cord comes back after every swing, so he can groove his forehand in the driveway when his doubles partner bails. It's also a fun way to get kids or grandkids swinging a racquet.

A short, classic book about getting out of your own head on court, first published in the 1970s and still passed between players today. Perfect for the dad who practices well but tightens up in league matches.

For the dad who bikes or walks to the local courts, a backpack beats a shoulder bag. Two racquets ride in a padded sleeve, and there's room for shoes, a towel and a can of balls without anything rattling around.

A pair of compression sleeves for the elbow that flares up after a long match. At under $10 they're an easy add-on gift, and the second sleeve means one can be in the wash while he wears the other.

A large microfiber towel that packs into its own small case, so it fits in a side pocket of his bag. It dries fast between changeovers and doesn't sit damp and musty in the bag the way a cotton gym towel does.

Designed specifically to work out forearm tightness linked to tennis elbow. He clamps it around his arm and rolls with as much pressure as he can stand, which makes it more precise than a foam roller for the muscles tennis players overwork.

The splurge recovery pick: a percussion massager for calves, quads and shoulders after a weekend tournament. It's the one on this list he'll use even on days he doesn't play, and it's quiet enough to use in front of the TV.

A retro-styled tee for the dad who plays himself or spends weekends driving the kids to junior tournaments. It's an easy Father's Day pick from the kids, and he'll actually wear it to the courts.

A two-word Federer pun that tennis fans get instantly and everyone else just thinks is a radio call sign. A good fit for the dad who's still not over Roger's retirement.

"Never underestimate an old man with a tennis racket" suits the 60-something dad who still beats players half his age with slices and lobs. He'll wear it with pride to his next round robin.

A 12 oz stainless tumbler with a 70s country-club design, labeled "overserved" for a little joke. Coffee goes in before morning doubles and something stronger after, and it keeps either one the right temperature for hours.

Even people who don't follow tennis call this one of the best sports memoirs ever written. Any dad who watched the Agassi and Sampras rivalry in the 90s will tear through it, and it's a perfect gift for the fan who'd rather watch Wimbledon than play.

A doormat printed like a tennis court, so his front porch announces the family obsession. An easy, inexpensive pick for the dad who has everything, and good for a laugh from the neighbors.